Lens control apparatus, lens control method, image capturing apparatus, information processing apparatus, information processing method, image capturing system, and computer readable storage medium

ABSTRACT

A lens control apparatus includes an operation input unit, a communication unit, and a control unit. The operation input unit is configured to accept a user operation. The communication unit is configured to perform communication with an external apparatus. The control unit is configured to perform driving control of a zoom lens in response to a zoom operation accepted by the operation input unit or a zoom control signal received by the communication unit. The control unit is also configured to selectively set a zoom position changing speed for driving control performed in response to the zoom operation and a zoom position changing speed for driving control performed in response to the zoom control signal, the zoom position changing speeds being different from each other.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/249,689, filed Apr. 10, 2014, which claims the benefit of priority ofProvisional Application Ser. No. 61/878,986, filed Sep. 17, 2013. Theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present technology relates to a lens control apparatus, a lenscontrol method, an image capturing apparatus, an information processingapparatus, an information processing method, an image capturing system,and a computer-readable storage medium, and enables a zooming action tobe performed with excellent operability.

In the related art, image capturing apparatuses are capable of adjustingthe angle of view by moving the zoom lens in response to operation ofthe zoom lever or zoom key. For example, in Japanese Unexamined PatentApplication Publication No. 10-191141, manual zooming is implemented byelectrically moving the zoom lens in response to movement of the zoomlever. Also, when movement of the zoom lens is controlled in accordancewith pressure at which the zoom key is pressed, the zoom lever iselectrically moved in accordance with the movement of the zoom lens soas to allow the user to roughly adjust the angle of view on the basis ofthe position of the zoom lever without viewing the screen.

Also, image capturing systems have been suggested in which an imagecapturing apparatus performs wireless communication with an externalapparatus (e.g., an information processing apparatus), and anapplication having a function enabling remote control of the imagecapturing apparatus is caused to run in the information processingapparatus so as to allow the user to operate the image capturingapparatus from the information processing apparatus.

SUMMARY

Image capturing systems in which an image capturing apparatus isoperated from an external apparatus via communication do not take intoaccount a difference between the case where the image capturingapparatus is operated using an operation switch or the like included inthe image capturing apparatus and the case where the image capturingapparatus is operated using the information processing apparatus.

In the case where the image capturing apparatus is operated using theinformation processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus,for example, detects the start of a zoom operation, and transmits azooming start instruction to the image capturing apparatus. Theinformation processing apparatus also detects the termination of thezoom operation, and transmits a zooming end instruction to the imagecapturing apparatus. The image capturing apparatus receives the zoomingstart instruction or the zooming end instruction, and controls a zoomingaction in accordance with the received instruction. In contrast, in thecase where the image capturing apparatus is operated using an operationswitch or the like included therein, the image capturing apparatussimply controls a zooming action in response to operation of theoperation switch or the like. Consequently, the process takes longerwhen the image capturing apparatus is operated using the informationprocessing apparatus than when the image capturing apparatus is operatedusing the operation switch or the like included therein, resulting inpoor zooming stop responsiveness, for example. Poor zooming stopresponsiveness may cause the actual zoom position (zooming stopposition) to largely deviate from the zoom position selected when theuser stops the zoom operation. For this reason, in the case where thezoom of the image capturing apparatus is operated using the informationprocessing apparatus, the operation is desirably performed while takinginto account poor responsiveness, for example, in order to set the zoomposition to a desired position. This, however, possibly leads to adecrease in the operability.

Accordingly, the present technology provides a lens control apparatus, alens control method, an image capturing apparatus, an informationprocessing apparatus, an information processing method, an imagecapturing system, and a computer-readable storage medium that enable azooming action to be performed with excellent operability either in thecase where a zoom operation is performed in the image capturingapparatus or in the case where a zoom operation is performed in theexternal apparatus.

A first embodiment of the present technology provides a lens controlapparatus including an operation input unit configured to accept a useroperation, a communication unit configured to perform communication withan external apparatus, and a control unit configured to perform drivingcontrol of a zoom lens in response to a zoom operation accepted by theoperation input unit or a zoom control signal received by thecommunication unit and configured to selectively set a zoom positionchanging speed for driving control performed in response to the zoomoperation and a zoom position changing speed for driving controlperformed in response to the zoom control signal, the zoom positionchanging speeds being different from each other.

The lens control apparatus according to the embodiment of the presenttechnology performs driving control of the zoom lens in response to azoom operation accepted by the operation input unit or a zoom controlsignal received via wireless communication with the external apparatusvia the communication unit. For example, the zoom position changingspeed for driving control performed in response to the zoom controlsignal may be set to be lower than that for driving control performed inresponse to the zoom operation. Also, driving control in response to thezoom control signal may be started at a zoom position changing speedlower than that for driving control performed in response to the zoomoperation and the zoom position changing speed may be later changed tothe zoom position changing speed for driving control performed inresponse to the zoom operation. In the case where the zoom controlsignal indicates that a zoom operation has been performed in theexternal apparatus over a period shorter than a predetermined period,driving control may be performed over a preset period. Also, in the casewhere a target zoom position is indicated by the zoom control signal,the zoom position may be changed to the target zoom position indicatedby the zoom control signal. In the case where a zoom position changingspeed is indicated by the zoom control signal, the zoom position may bechanged at the zoom position changing speed indicated by the zoomcontrol signal. Further, information indicating the zoom position of thezoom lens may be transmitted to the external apparatus.

A second embodiment of the present technology provides a lens controlmethod including performing, with a communication unit, communicationwith an external apparatus; performing, with a control unit, drivingcontrol of a zoom lens in response to a zoom operation accepted with anoperation input unit or a zoom control signal received with thecommunication unit; and selectively setting, with the control unit, azoom position changing speed for driving control performed in responseto the zoom operation and a zoom position changing speed for drivingcontrol performed in response to the zoom control signal, the zoomposition changing speeds being different from each other.

A third embodiment of the present technology provides acomputer-readable storage medium storing a program causing a computer toexecute a process for performing driving control of a zoom lens. Theprocess includes performing, via a communication unit, communicationwith an external apparatus; performing driving control of the zoom lensin response to a zoom operation accepted with an operation input unit ora zoom control signal received via the communication unit; andselectively setting a zoom position changing speed for driving controlperformed in response to the zoom operation and a zoom position changingspeed for driving control performed in response to the zoom controlsignal, the zoom position changing speeds being different from eachother.

A fourth embodiment of the present technology provides an imagecapturing apparatus including an image capturing optical systemincluding a zoom lens, an operation input unit configured to accept auser operation, a communication unit configured to perform communicationwith an external apparatus, and a control unit configured to performdriving control of the zoom lens in response to a zoom operationaccepted by the operation input unit or a zoom control signal receivedby the communication unit and configured to selectively set a zoomposition changing speed for driving control performed in response to thezoom operation and a zoom position changing speed for driving controlperformed in response to the zoom control signal, the zoom positionchanging speeds being different from each other.

A fifth embodiment of the present technology provides an informationprocessing apparatus including a communication unit configured toperform communication with an image capturing apparatus, a display unitconfigured to display a captured image obtained from the image capturingapparatus via the communication unit, an operation input unit configuredto accept a user operation, and a control unit configured to generate azoom control signal for controlling a zooming action performed in theimage capturing apparatus, in accordance with at least one of anoperation position where a zoom operation is accepted by the operationinput unit, duration of the zoom operation accepted by the operationinput unit, and a movement distance over which the operation position ofthe zoom operation accepted by the operation input unit is moved andconfigured to output the generated zoom control signal to the imagecapturing apparatus via the communication unit.

In the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment ofthe present technology, a captured image is obtained from the imagecapturing apparatus via wireless communication and is displayed on thedisplay unit. A zoom control signal for controlling a zooming actionperformed in the image capturing apparatus may be generated inaccordance with the operation position of a user operation accepted bythe operation input unit or the movement distance of the operationposition, and may be output to the image capturing apparatus via thecommunication unit. For example, a zoom position changing period overwhich the zooming action is performed in the image capturing apparatusmay be set in accordance with the movement distance of the operationposition of a pinch operation. A target zoom position of the zoomingaction performed in the image capturing apparatus may be determined inaccordance with the zoom position obtained from the image capturingapparatus and the movement distance of the operation position of thepinch operation. A zoom position changing speed of the zooming actionperformed in the image capturing apparatus may be determined inaccordance with a movement speed of the operation position of the pinchoperation.

A sixth embodiment of the present technology provides an informationprocessing method including performing, with a communication unit,communication with an image capturing apparatus; displaying, with adisplay unit, a captured image obtained from the image capturingapparatus via the communication unit; generating, with a control unit, azoom control signal for controlling a zooming action performed in theimage capturing apparatus, in accordance with at least one of anoperation position where a zoom operation is accepted with an operationinput unit, duration of the zoom operation accepted with the operationinput unit, and a movement distance over which the operation position ofthe zoom operation accepted with the operation input unit is moved; andoutputting, with the control unit, the generated zoom control signal tothe image capturing apparatus via the communication unit.

A seventh embodiment of the present technology provides acomputer-readable storage medium storing a program causing a computer toexecute a process for triggering driving control of a zoom lens includedin an image capturing apparatus. The process includes performing, via acommunication unit, communication with the image capturing apparatus;generating a zoom control signal for controlling a zooming actionperformed in the image capturing apparatus in response to a zoomoperation accepted with an operation input unit; and outputting thegenerated zoom control signal to the image capturing apparatus via thecommunication unit. A zoom position changing speed for zoom drivingcontrol performed in response to a zoom operation accepted with anoperation input unit included in the image capturing apparatus and azoom position changing speed for zoom driving control performed inresponse to the zoom control signal are set to be different.

An eighth embodiment of the present technology provides an imagecapturing system including an image capturing apparatus and aninformation processing apparatus. The image capturing apparatus includesan image capturing optical system including a zoom lens, an operationinput unit configured to accept a user operation, a communication unitconfigured to perform communication with the information processingapparatus, and a control unit configured to perform driving control ofthe zoom lens in response to a zoom operation accepted by the operationinput unit included in the image capturing apparatus or a zoom controlsignal received by the communication unit included in the imagecapturing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes acommunication unit configured to perform communication with the imagecapturing apparatus, an operation input unit configured to accept a useroperation, and a control unit configured to generate a zoom controlsignal for controlling a zooming action performed in the image capturingapparatus, in response to a zoom operation accepted by the operationinput unit included in the information processing apparatus andconfigured to output the generated zoom control signal to the imagecapturing apparatus via the communication unit included in theinformation processing apparatus. A zoom position changing speed fordriving control performed in response to the zoom operation and a zoomposition changing speed for driving control performed in response to thezoom control signal are set to be different by the control unit includedin the image capturing apparatus.

Note that the programs according to the embodiments of the presenttechnology may be provided to, for example, a general-purpose computercapable of executing various program codes by using a computer-readablestorage medium, for example, an optical disc, a magnetic disk, or asemiconductor memory, or a communication medium, such as a network. Byproviding such programs in a computer-readable format, processes basedon the programs are implemented in the computer.

According to the embodiments of the present technology, driving controlof the zoom lens is performed in response to a zoom operation acceptedby the operation input unit or a zoom control signal received by thecommunication unit and different zoom position changing speeds are setfor driving control performed in response to the zoom operation anddriving control performed in response to the zoom control signal.Accordingly, the zoom position changing speed is switched between theone suitable for a zoom operation accepted by the operation input unitand the one suitable for the zoom control signal, that is, a zoomoperation performed in the external apparatus. This configurationconsequently enables a zooming operation to be performed with excellentoperability when a zoom operation is performed either in the imagecapturing apparatus or in the external apparatus. Benefits describedherein are merely illustrative and should not be construed aslimitations and there may be additional benefits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the appearance (rear side) of an imagecapturing system;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the appearance (front side) of theimage capturing system;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the case where an image capturingapparatus and an information processing apparatus are integrated usingan adapter;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration ofthe image capturing apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration ofthe information processing apparatus (e.g., a smartphone);

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process performed before acooperative function is started between the image capturing apparatusand the information processing apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an action performed by the imagecapturing apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating characteristics regarding how the zoomposition is changed;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a zoom position notification process;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an action performed by theinformation processing apparatus;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a zoom position display process;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a screen displayed on a display unitof the information processing apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating characteristics regarding how the zoomposition is changed in another action;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an action performed in the casewhere zoom driving control is performed in accordance with duration of apinch operation;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an action performed in case wherezoom driving control is performed in accordance with a movement distanceof a pinch operation;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating how a zooming action instruction ismade; and

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an action performed in the casewhere zoom driving control is performed in accordance with a movementdistance of a pinch operation and a current zoom magnification (zoomposition).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments for carrying out the present technology will be describedbelow. The description will be given in the following order.

1. Configuration of Image Capturing System

1-1. Appearance of Image Capturing System

1-2. Functional Configuration of Image Capturing Apparatus

1-3. Functional Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus

2. Actions of Image Capturing System

2-1. Cooperation between Image Capturing Apparatus and InformationProcessing Apparatus

2-2. Zooming Action of Image Capturing Apparatus

2-3. Zooming Control Action of Information Processing Apparatus

3. Other Actions of Image Capturing System

3-1. Other Actions of Image Capturing Apparatus

3-2. Other Actions of Information Processing Apparatus

1. Configuration of Image Capturing System

An image capturing system includes an image capturing apparatus and aninformation processing apparatus. The image capturing apparatus has, forexample, a zoom function, and thus is capable of generating imageinformation of a still image or movie of a desired angle of view. Theimage capturing apparatus also has a wireless communication function,and thus is capable of performing wireless communication with theinformation processing apparatus. The image capturing apparatus performsan action in accordance with a control signal supplied from theinformation processing apparatus via wireless communication. The imagecapturing apparatus also outputs various pieces of information to theinformation processing apparatus via wireless communication.

The information processing apparatus has a display function and awireless communication function. For example, a mobile phone, asmartphone, a tablet terminal, or a notebook computer may be used as theinformation processing apparatus. The information processing apparatusgenerates a control signal for operating the image capturing apparatus,and outputs the generated control signal to the image capturingapparatus via wireless communication. The information processingapparatus also processes information supplied from the image capturingapparatus via wireless communication. For example, the informationprocessing apparatus displays a captured image on the basis of imageinformation supplied from the image capturing apparatus.

1-1. Appearance of Image Capturing System

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the appearance of the image capturing systemaccording to an embodiment of the present technology. Specifically, FIG.1 illustrates the rear side of the image capturing system and FIG. 2illustrates the front side of the image capturing system. Also, asmartphone, for example, is used as the information processingapparatus.

An image capturing system 10 includes an image capturing apparatus 20and an information processing apparatus (e.g., a smartphone) 50.

The image capturing apparatus 20 includes an image capturing opticalsystem block, an image capturing unit, a signal processing unit, acommunication unit, and a camera control unit (which are notillustrated) inside an outer cylinder 21 having a cylindrical shape. Ata front end of the outer cylinder 21, a control ring 22 having acircular shape is provided. The image capturing apparatus 20 changes thein-focus position or the zoom position in response to rotation of thecontrol ring 22. Accordingly, the use of the control ring 22 enablesmanual operation such as focus adjustment. On a lateral face of theouter cylinder 21, a zoom button 441 and a shutter button 442 areprovided. The image capturing apparatus 20 changes the zoom position tothe wide-angle side or the telephoto side at a predetermined speed inresponse to operation of the zoom button 441. In a still image mode, theimage capturing apparatus 20 records a still image captured when theuser operates the shutter button 442 on a recording medium. In a moviemode, the image capturing apparatus 20 starts or ends recording a moviein response to operation of the shutter button 442.

The information processing apparatus 50 includes a signal processingunit, a communication unit, and a control unit (which are notillustrated) inside an outer casing 51 having a substantiallyrectangular parallelepiped shape. On a face (rear face) of the outercasing 51, a display panel 52 which is a touch screen is provided.Various functions are carried out in response to operations performed atpredetermined positions of the display panel 52.

In the image capturing system 10, the image capturing apparatus 20 andthe information processing apparatus 50 are not necessarily used in anintegrated state as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and may be used in aseparated state. Note that FIG. 3 illustrates the case where the imagecapturing apparatus 20 and the information processing apparatus 50 areintegrated using an adapter 80.

To a rear end of the image capturing apparatus 20, a rear panel 25having a disc shape is attached. At an outer periphery of the rear panel25, connectors 26 protruding toward the rear side are provided. The rearpanel 25 supports lock pins 27 in such a manner that the lock pins 27are movable forward and backward. The lock pins 27 are urged by urgingmembers (not illustrated) toward the rear side. The image capturingapparatus 20 also includes an unlock lever (not illustrated). Operationof the unlock lever causes the lock pins 27 to be drawn into the rearpanel 25.

The adapter 80 includes a casing 81 having a cylindrical shape and asize corresponding to the outer cylinder 21 of the image capturingapparatus 20. At an end of the casing 81, two attachments 82 arerotationally provided so as to stand from a first opposing face 85 ofthe casing 81 opposing the information processing apparatus 50. Theattachments 82 are each urged by an urging member in a direction fromthe standing position to the folded position. The attachments 82 eachinclude a clamping portion 83 having a substantially planar shape and aretaining projection 84 protruding from an end of the clamping portion83 toward the center. A second opposing face 86 of the casing 81opposing the image capturing apparatus 20 has thereon connector recesses(not illustrated) into which the connectors 26 of the image capturingapparatus 20 are inserted and lock holes (not illustrated) into whichthe lock pins 27 are inserted.

When connecting the image capturing apparatus 20 to the adapter 80, theuser inserts the connectors 26 of the image capturing apparatus 20 intothe connector recesses of the adapter 80, and then rotates the imagecapturing apparatus 20 in a predetermined direction. Consequently, theconnectors 26 are secured in the connector recesses. When the connectors26 are secured in the connector recesses, the lock pins 27 are in thelock holes. Accordingly, the image capturing apparatus 20 and theadapter 80 are locked in the connected state. When separating the imagecapturing apparatus 20 from the adapter 80, the user operates the unlocklever, and then rotates the image capturing apparatus 20 in a directionopposite to the predetermined direction. The lock pins 27 are removedfrom the lock holes as a result of operation of the unlock lever. Inthis state, the image capturing apparatus 20 is rotated in the oppositedirection. As a result, the connectors 26 are no longer secured in theconnector recesses. In this way, the image capturing apparatus 20 isseparated from the adapter 80.

When connecting the adapter 80 to the information processing apparatus50, the user makes the attachments 82 of the adapter 80 stand from thefirst opposing face 85. The user also adjusts the space between theattachments 82 to a width corresponding to the outer casing 51 of theinformation processing apparatus 50 so as to cause the clamping portions83 of the attachments 82 to clamp the outer casing 51 therebetween. Theretaining projections 84 are secured on the rear face (on the displaypanel side) of the outer casing 51. In this way, the adapter 80 isconnected to the information processing apparatus 50. The informationprocessing apparatus 50 is separated from the adapter 80 by cancelingthe clamping state achieved by the clamping portions 83 and the securedstate achieved by the retaining projections 84.

As described above, the use of the image capturing apparatus 20, theinformation processing apparatus 50, and the adapter 80 permits theimage capturing apparatus 20 and the information processing apparatus 50to be used in the integrated state or in the separated state. Note thatthe configuration of the adapter 80 is not limited to the oneillustrated in FIG. 3 and may be another configuration. Also, the imagecapturing apparatus 20 and the information processing apparatus 50 maybe made integral with each other or separable from each other withoutusing the adapter 80.

1-2. Functional Configuration of Image Capturing Apparatus

Next, the functional configuration of the image capturing apparatus 20will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functionalconfiguration of the image capturing apparatus 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the image capturing apparatus 20 includes animage capturing optical system block 31, an image capturing unit 32, animage processing unit 33, a recording/reproducing unit 34, a displayunit 35, a power supply unit 36, a timepiece unit 37, a memory unit 38,an attitude detection unit 39, a wireless communication unit 41, anoperation input unit 44, and a camera control unit 45. The imagecapturing apparatus 20 also includes a recording medium 46 which isremovable therefrom.

The image capturing optical system block 31 includes a set of lensessuch as a focus lens and a zoom lens, an aperture adjusting mechanism,and driving units for driving the set of lenses and the apertureadjusting mechanism. The image capturing optical system block 31 mayfurther include a shutter mechanism and a blurring correction mechanism.

The image capturing unit 32 includes an imaging device, such as a chargecoupled device (CCD) imaging device or a complementary metal oxidesemiconductor (CMOS) imaging device. The image capturing unit 32converts an optical image of a subject formed by the image capturingoptical system block 31 into an image signal. The image capturing unit32 outputs the image signal generated through photoelectric conversionto the image processing unit 33.

The image processing unit 33 performs various types of signal processingor the like on the image signal output from the image capturing unit 32.For example, the image processing unit 33 performs processing, such asnoise reduction, tone correction, and edge detection, if necessary. Theimage processing unit 33 outputs the resulting image signal to therecording/reproducing unit 34.

The recording/reproducing unit 34 performs, using the recording medium46, recording of a captured image and reproduction of a recordedcaptured image. Specifically, the recording/reproducing unit 34 recordsan image signal of a still image or movie that has been generated by theimage capturing unit 32 and has been processed by the image processingunit 33, on the recording medium 46. The recording/reproducing unit 34reproduces a still image or movie recorded on the recording medium 46and reads out the corresponding image signal from the recording medium46. Note that the recording/reproducing unit 34 may record an imagesignal not yet processed by the image processing unit 33 on therecording medium 46. The recording/reproducing unit 34 may performencoding processing to reduce the size of an image signal to be recordedon the recording medium 46 and decoding processing to decode encodeddata recorded on the recording medium 46.

The display unit 35 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display. Thedisplay unit 35 displays a captured image or information representingsettings or the operating state of the image capturing apparatus 20. Thepower supply unit 36 includes a battery and a power supply circuit. Thepower supply unit 36 supplies power to each component of the imagecapturing apparatus 20 in accordance with a control signal output fromthe camera control unit 45. The timepiece unit 37 keeps the time andoutputs time information indicating the current time to therecording/reproducing unit 34 so as to enable a captured image to berecorded together with the capturing time.

The memory unit 38 includes recording media, such as a random accessmemory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM). The RAM is used by the cameracontrol unit 45 as a work area, for example. The ROM stores programs orthe like causing the camera control unit 45 to perform various kinds ofcontrol, for example. The RAM and the ROM store control information orthe like used by the camera control unit 45 to perform various kinds ofcontrol.

The attitude detection unit 39 detects the attitude of or the change inthe attitude of the image capturing apparatus 20. The attitude detectionunit 39 includes a gravity sensor, a gyro sensor, or a 3-axisacceleration sensor. The attitude detection unit 39 detects the changein the attitude of the image capturing apparatus 20 in the vertical andhorizontal directions, or the rotation position of or the change in therotation position of the image capturing apparatus 20 with respect to arotation axis which is the optical axis of the image capturing opticalsystem block 31. The attitude detection unit 39 outputs an attitudedetection signal to the camera control unit 45. Outputting the imagesignal of a captured image together with the attitude detection signalto the information processing apparatus 50 enables the captured image tobe displayed while taking the attitude of the image capturing apparatus20 into account. For example, when a captured image is generated in astate where the image capturing apparatus 20 is tilted with respect tothe horizontal direction, a subject that is not tilted with respect tothe horizontal direction is displayed to be tilted with respect to thehorizontal direction in the information processing apparatus 50.However, by correcting the tilt using the attitude detection signal, thesubject that is not tilted with respect to the horizontal direction iscorrectly displayed in the non-tilted state.

The wireless communication unit 41 includes a Near Filed Communication(NFC) communication unit 411, an NFC antenna 412, a Wireless Fidelity(Wi-Fi) communication unit 413, and a Wi-Fi antenna 414.

The NFC communication unit 411 is an interface that enables, togetherwith the NFC antenna 412, non-contact communication with an externalapparatus (for example, the information processing apparatus 50) locatednear the image capturing apparatus 20, under control of the cameracontrol unit 45. The NFC communication unit 411 transmits, from the NFCantenna 412, a radio wave that reaches up to a position that isapproximately 3 to 10 centimeters away or, depending on its design,approximately 7 millimeters away from the NFC antenna 412, so as toperform NFC communication with an external apparatus located within thereachable range of the radio wave. The NFC communication unit 411transmits, for example, connection information (Wi-Fi Configuration)used to automatically establish a Wi-Fi connection and AndroidApplication Record (AAR), in response to a check command received froman external apparatus. The connection information includes a service setidentifier (SSID) and a pass key (encryption key) used to establish aWi-Fi connection.

The Wi-Fi communication unit 413 is an interface that enables, togetherwith the Wi-Fi antenna 414, wireless communication with an externalapparatus (for example, the information processing apparatus 50), undercontrol of the camera control unit 45. For example, the Wi-Ficommunication unit 413 performs Wi-Fi authentication in response to aWi-Fi connection request received from an external apparatus so as toestablish a Wi-Fi communication connection to the external apparatus.

The operation input unit 44 detects an operation input by a user andoutputs an operation signal corresponding to the user operation to thecamera control unit 45. The operation input unit 44 includes the zoombutton 441 and the shutter button 442. Each physical switch ispre-assigned a corresponding function.

The camera control unit 45 executes programs recorded in the memory unit38 so as to generate control signals based on operation signals suppliedfrom the operation input unit 44 or control information or the likestored in the memory unit 38. The camera control unit 45 outputs each ofthe generated control signals to a corresponding component so as toperform image capturing control, image processing control, orrecording/reproduction control so that an action corresponding to theuser operation is performed in the image capturing apparatus 20. Thecamera control unit 45 also controls the NFC communication unit 411 andthe Wi-Fi communication unit 413 included in the wireless communicationunit 41 so as to perform wireless communication with the informationprocessing apparatus 50, and performs zoom driving control on the basisof a zoom control signal supplied from the information processingapparatus 50. When performing zoom driving control in accordance with azoom operation accepted by the operation input unit 44 or a zoom controlsignal received by the wireless communication unit 41, the cameracontrol unit 45 sets different zoom position changing speeds for zoomdriving control performed in response to a zoom operation accepted bythe operation input unit 44 and for zoom driving control performed inresponse to a zoom control signal.

The recording medium 46, such as a memory card on which captured imagesor the like are recorded, is removable.

1-3. Functional Configuration of Information Processing Apparatus

Next, the functional configuration of the information processingapparatus 50 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustratingthe functional configuration of the information processing apparatus 50(for example, a smartphone).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the information processing apparatus 50includes a wireless communication unit 61, an audio input/output unit62, a memory unit 63, a recording/reproducing unit 64, a power supplyunit 65, a display unit 67, an operation input unit 68, and a controlunit 70. The information processing apparatus 50 also includes arecording medium 71 which is removable therefrom.

The wireless communication unit 61 includes an NFC communication unit611, an NFC antenna 612, a Wi-Fi communication unit 613, and a Wi-Fiantenna 614. Note that the wireless communication unit 61 may furtherinclude a communication unit (not illustrated) compliant with thecellular phone communication standard.

The NFC communication unit 611 is an interface that enables, togetherwith the NFC antenna 612, non-contact communication with an externalapparatus (for example, the image capturing apparatus 20) located nearthe information processing apparatus 50, under control of the controlunit 70. The NFC communication unit 611 performs NFC communication with,for example, the image capturing apparatus 20 as described above.

The Wi-Fi communication unit 613 is an interface that enables, togetherwith the Wi-Fi antenna 614, wireless communication with an externalapparatus (for example, the image capturing apparatus 20), under controlof the control unit 70. The Wi-Fi communication unit 613 establishes aWi-Fi communication connection to, for example, the image capturingapparatus 20 as described above.

The audio input/output unit 62 includes a speaker and a microphone. Theaudio input/output unit 62 receives and outputs audio of a voice callcarried out via the wireless communication unit 61. The audioinput/output unit 62 also outputs reproduced sound of music content ormovie content recorded in the memory unit 63 or on the recording medium71.

The memory unit 63 includes recording media, such as a RAM and a ROM.The RAM is used by the control unit 70 as a work area, for example. TheROM stores programs or the like causing the control unit 70 to performvarious kinds of control, for example. The RAM and the ROM store controlinformation or the like used by the control unit 70 to perform variouskinds of control. The RAM may further store music content, moviecontent, various application programs, captured images supplied from theimage capturing apparatus 20, mail information, and so forth.

The recording/reproducing unit 64 performs, using the recording medium71, recording and readout of various pieces of information.Specifically, the recording/reproducing unit 64 records, for example,music content, movie content, captured images, mail information, andaddress information of other people used for wireless communication, onthe recording medium 71. The recording/reproducing unit 64 also readsout various pieces of information recorded on the recording medium 71.

The power supply unit 65 includes a battery and a power supply circuit.The power supply unit 65 supplies power to each component of theinformation processing apparatus 50.

The display unit 67 includes a display element, such as a liquid crystaldisplay or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. The display unit67 displays graphical user interface (GUI) screens, text and imagesbased on actions of applications, and so forth, under control of thecontrol unit 70.

The operation input unit 68 includes operation switches and a touchscreen. The touch screen is disposed on a display screen of the displayunit 67. Each item displayed on the display screen is assigned acorresponding function. The operation input unit 68 generates anoperation signal corresponding to a user operation, and outputs thegenerated operation signal to the control unit 70. Note that the displaypanel 52 is constituted by the display unit 67 and the operation inputunit 68.

The control unit 70 executes programs recorded in the memory unit 63 soas to generate control signals based on operation signals supplied fromthe operation input unit 68 or control information or the like stored inthe memory unit 63. The control unit 70 also outputs each of thegenerated control signals to a corresponding component so as to performcommunication control, display control, and recording/reproductioncontrol so that an action corresponding to the user operation isperformed in the information processing apparatus 50. The control unit70 also controls the NFC communication unit 611 and the Wi-Ficommunication unit 613 so as to perform wireless communication with theimage capturing apparatus 20. The control unit 70 further starts acertain application program on the basis of communication with the imagecapturing apparatus 20. After the startup of the program, the controlunit 70 generates a zoom control signal for controlling a zooming actionof the image capturing apparatus 20, in accordance with at least one ofan operation position where a zoom operation is performed, duration ofthe zoom operation, and a movement distance of the operation positionbased on an operation signal. The control unit 70 then transmits thegenerated zoom control signal to the image capturing apparatus 20.

2. Actions of Image Capturing System

2-1. Cooperation Between Image Capturing Apparatus and InformationProcessing Apparatus

Next, actions of the image capturing system 10 will be described. FIG. 6is a sequence diagram illustrating a process performed before acooperative function is started between the image capturing apparatus 20and the information processing apparatus 50 in the image capturingsystem 10.

In step ST1, the information processing apparatus 50 issues a pollingcommand via NFC communication. At this time, if the NFC antenna 412 ofthe image capturing apparatus 20 is located within a predetermined radiowave reachable range from the NFC antenna 612 of the informationprocessing apparatus 50, the NFC communication unit 411 of the imagecapturing apparatus 20 detects the issued polling command in step ST2.

Upon detecting NFC communication from the information processingapparatus 50, the NFC communication unit 411 of the image capturingapparatus 20 notifies the camera control unit 45 of detection in stepST3.

In response to the detection notification made by the NFC communicationunit 411, the camera control unit 45 generates a control signal, andoutputs the control signal to the power supply unit 36 so as to performpower-on control in step ST4.

Upon detecting the NFC communication, the NFC communication unit 411issues a command response via NFC communication in step ST5.

In step ST6, the information processing apparatus 50 detects the commandresponse issued from the image capturing apparatus 20, therebydiscovering the NFC communication counterpart, and then issues a checkcommand in order to obtain predetermined information.

In step ST7, the NFC communication unit 411 of the image capturingapparatus 20 outputs the check command received via NFC communication tothe camera control unit 45.

In response to the check command, the camera control unit 45 outputsresponse data to the NFC communication unit 411 in step ST8. Thisresponse data includes, for example, Wi-Fi Configuration and AARmentioned above.

In step ST9, the NFC communication unit 411 transmits the response datato the information processing apparatus 50 via NFC communication. Notethat the response data may be transmitted in a divided manner byperforming steps ST6 to ST9 multiple times.

In step ST10, the camera control unit 45 performs an image capturingpreparation action. Specifically, the camera control unit 45 performs apreparation action so as to make the image capturing apparatus 20 beready for image capturing. Here, the preparation action may beperformed, so that the state in which the image capturing apparatus 20is ready for image capturing is identifiable. For example, in the casewhere a collapsible lens is used as the image capturing optical systemblock 31, the camera control unit 45 performs an action to bring thelens out or to output activation sound. Note that the image capturingpreparation action may be performed after a Wi-Fi connection isestablished.

In step ST11, the information processing apparatus 50 starts apredetermined application in accordance with the received AAR. Forexample, the predetermined application receives an image signal of acaptured image transmitted from the image capturing apparatus 20 viaWi-Fi communication and displays the captured image.

In step ST12, the information processing apparatus 50 uses the receivedWi-Fi configuration so as to transmit a Wi-Fi connection request to theimage capturing apparatus 20.

In step ST13, the Wi-Fi communication unit 413 of the image capturingapparatus 20 outputs the connection request received from theinformation processing apparatus 50 to the camera control unit 45.

In step ST14, the camera control unit 45 performs Wi-Fi authentication.Note that Wi-Fi authentication may be performed by the Wi-Ficommunication unit 413.

In step ST15, the camera control unit 45 outputs the authenticationresult to the Wi-Fi communication unit 413.

In step ST16, the Wi-Fi communication unit 413 transmits theauthentication result to the information processing apparatus 50. Instep ST17, the information processing apparatus 50 completesestablishment of a Wi-Fi connection as a result of successfulauthentication. Thereafter, the image capturing apparatus 20 and theinformation processing apparatus 50 carry out a cooperative functionusing Wi-Fi communication.

Note that the image capturing apparatus 20 and the informationprocessing apparatus 50 are made at least operate in cooperation witheach other via Wi-Fi communication or the like. Thus, a procedureperformed before a cooperative function is started between the imagecapturing apparatus 20 and the information processing apparatus 50 isnot limited to the procedure illustrated in FIG. 6.

2-2. Zooming Action of Image Capturing Apparatus

Next, a description will be given of a zooming action performed by theimage capturing apparatus 20 in the case where a cooperative function isenabled between the image capturing apparatus 20 and the informationprocessing apparatus 50.

The camera control unit 45 of the image capturing apparatus 20 performsa process illustrated in FIG. 7 upon detecting operation of the zoombutton 441 on the basis of an operation signal supplied from theoperation input unit 44 or upon detecting a zoom control signal suppliedfrom the information processing apparatus 50 via Wi-Fi communication.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an action performed by the imagecapturing apparatus 20. In step ST21, the camera control unit 45identifies a zoom operation type indicated by a zoom request. If thecamera control unit 45 determines that the zoom request is made usingthe zoom button 441 provided on the image capturing apparatus 20, theprocess proceeds to step ST22. If the camera control unit 45 determinesthat the zoom request is made by the information processing apparatus 50and specifies zoom driving control performed for a predetermined period,the process proceeds to step ST24. If the camera control unit 45determines that the zoom request is made by the information processingapparatus 50 and is an instruction to start zoom driving control, theprocess proceeds to step ST25. Note that the zoom request specifieswhether the zoom position is to be changed to the wide-angle side or thetelephoto side on the basis of the user operation.

In step ST22, the camera control unit 45 performs zoom driving controlin a standard mode. Specifically, the camera control unit 45 changes thezoom position in a direction indicated by the zoom request received fromthe operation input unit 44 at a standard changing speed. Then, theprocess proceeds to step ST23. FIG. 8 illustrates characteristicsregarding how the zoom position is changed. In the case where the cameracontrol unit 45 performs zoom driving control in the standard mode, thecamera control unit 45 changes the zoom position in a directionindicated by the zoom request at a zoom position changing speed VA(equivalent to the standard changing speed).

In step ST23, the camera control unit 45 determines whether the zoomoperation is terminated. If the camera control unit 45 determines thatthe operation of the zoom button 441 is continued, the process returnsto step ST22. If the camera control unit 45 determines that theoperation of the zoom button 441 is terminated, the camera control unit45 ends zoom driving control.

When the process proceeds from step ST21 to step ST24, the cameracontrol unit 45 performs zoom driving control in a single-step mode.Specifically, the camera control unit 45 changes the zoom position in adirection indicated by the zoom request received from the informationprocessing apparatus 50 for a preset period, for example, at a lowchanging speed which is lower than the standard changing speed. Thecamera control unit 45 then ends zoom driving control. In the case wherethe camera control unit 45 performs zoom driving control in thesingle-step mode, the camera control unit 45 changes the zoom positionin a direction indicated by the zoom request for a preset period, forexample, at a zoom position changing speed VB which is lower than thezoom position changing speed VA illustrated in FIG. 8. Note that thezoom position may be changed at the standard changing speed in thesingle-step mode.

When the process proceeds from step ST21 to step ST25, the cameracontrol unit 45 performs zoom driving control in a low-speed mode.Specifically, the camera control unit 45 changes the zoom position in adirection indicated by the zoom request received from the informationprocessing apparatus 50, for example, at the low changing speed which islower than the standard changing speed. Then, the process proceeds tostep ST26. In the case where the camera control unit 45 performs zoomdriving control in the low-speed mode, the camera control unit 45changes the zoom position in a direction indicated by the zoom request,for example, at the zoom position changing speed VB.

In step ST26, the camera control unit 45 determines whether the zoomoperation is terminated. If the camera control unit 45 determines thatthe wireless signal received from the information processing apparatus50 indicates continuance of the zoom operation, the process returns tostep ST25. If the camera control unit 45 determines that the wirelesssignal indicates termination of the zoom operation, the camera controlunit 45 ends zoom driving control.

The camera control unit 45 may also perform a zoom position notificationprocess illustrated in FIG. 9 while performing zoom driving control ineach of the standard mode, the single-step mode, and the low-speed mode,so as to notify the information processing apparatus 50 of the resultingzoom position set in the image capturing apparatus 20.

In step ST31, the camera control unit 45 determines whether the zoomposition has changed. If the camera control unit 45 determines that thezoom position has changed, the process proceeds to step ST32. If not,the process ends.

In step ST32, the camera control unit 45 makes a zoom position changenotification. Specifically, the camera control unit 45 transmits, as awireless signal, zoom position change information indicating theresulting zoom position to the information processing apparatus 50 viaWi-Fi communication.

The configuration in which the image capturing apparatus 20 notifies theinformation processing apparatus 50 of the zoom position permits a userto confirm, using the information processing apparatus 50, the zoomposition set in the image capturing apparatus 20 when operating the zoomof the image capturing apparatus 20 using the information processingapparatus 50. Note that the example illustrated in FIG. 7 includes thesingle-step mode in addition to the standard mode and the low-speed modebut the single-step mode may be omitted.

2-3. Zooming Control Action of Information Processing Apparatus

Next, a zooming control action performed by the information processingapparatus 50 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating anaction performed by the information processing apparatus 50. In the casewhere the cooperative function is enabled between the informationprocessing apparatus 50 and the image capturing apparatus 20 and theinformation processing apparatus 50 controls the zooming action of theimage capturing apparatus 20, the information processing apparatus 50provides, for example, a GUI including an icon for changing the zoomposition to the wide-angle side and an icon for changing the zoomposition to a telephoto side on the screen of the display unit 67. Notethat the icon for changing the zoom position to the wide-angle side isreferred to as a wide-angle zoom button and the icon for changing thezoom position to the telephoto side is referred to as a telephoto zoombutton. In the case where a zoom operation is performed using thewide-angle zoom button or telephoto zoom button, the informationprocessing apparatus 50 performs a process starting from step ST41 so asto cause the image capturing apparatus 20 to perform zoom drivingcontrol.

In step ST41, the control unit 70 determines whether or not the zoomoperation is continued for a predetermined period or longer. If thecontrol unit 70 determines that operation of the wide-angle zoom buttonor the telephoto zoom button is continued for the predetermined periodor longer, the process proceeds to step ST42. If the operation of thewide-angle zoom button or the telephoto zoom button is terminated beforeduration of the zoom button operation becomes the predetermined periodor longer, the process proceeds to step ST45. For example, if thewide-angle zoom button or the telephoto zoom button is operated for aperiod shorter than the predetermined period (hereinafter, thisoperation is referred to as a “touch operation”), the process proceedsto step ST45. If the wide-angle zoom button or the telephoto zoom buttonis operated for the predetermined period or longer (hereinafter, thisoperation is referred to as a “push operation”), the process proceeds tostep ST42.

In step ST42, the control unit 70 issues a zooming start instruction.Specifically, the control unit 70 determines which of the wide-anglezoom button and the telephoto zoom button is being operated, andgenerates a zoom control signal for starting zoom driving control forchanging the zoom position to the direction corresponding to theoperated zoom button. The control unit 70 outputs the generated zoomcontrol signal to the Wi-Fi communication unit 613 of the wirelesscommunication unit 61. The zoom control signal is transmitted from theWi-Fi antenna 614 to the image capturing apparatus 20. The process thenproceeds to step ST43.

In step ST43, the control unit 70 determines whether the zoom operationis terminated. If the control unit 70 determines that the zoom operationusing the wide-angle zoom button or the telephoto zoom button isterminated, the process proceeds to step ST44. If the control unit 70determines that the zoom operation is continued, the process returns tostep ST43.

In step ST44, the control unit 70 issues a zooming end instruction.Specifically, the control unit 70 generates a zoom control signal forending zoom driving control for changing the zoom position. The controlunit 70 outputs the generated zoom control signal to the Wi-Ficommunication unit 613 of the wireless communication unit 61. The zoomcontrol signal is transmitted from the Wi-Fi antenna 614 to the imagecapturing apparatus 20. The process then ends.

When the process proceeds from step ST41 to step ST45, the control unit70 specifies the single-step mode. Specifically, the control unit 70generates a zoom control signal which triggers zoom driving control inthe single-step mode, in which zoom driving control is performed for apreset period. The control unit 70 outputs the generated zoom controlsignal to the Wi-Fi communication unit 613 of the wireless communicationunit 61. The zoom control signal is transmitted from the Wi-Fi antenna614 to the image capturing apparatus 20. The process then ends.

In this way, the control unit 70 generates a zoom control signal thattriggers control of the zooming action performed by the image capturingapparatus 20, in accordance with the operation position and duration ofthe zoom operation, and transmits the generated zoom control signal tothe image capturing apparatus 20.

In the case where the image capturing apparatus 20 makes a zoom positionchange notification, the control unit 70 performs a zoom positiondisplay process illustrated in FIG. 11.

In step ST51, the control unit 70 determines whether the zoom positionchange information has been received. If the control unit 70 determinesthat a wireless signal representing the zoom position change informationhas not been received from the image capturing apparatus 20, the processreturns to step ST51. If the control unit 70 determines that a wirelesssignal representing the zoom position change information has beenreceived, the process proceeds to step ST52.

In step ST52, the control unit 70 updates the displayed zoom position.Specifically, the control unit 70 changes, for example, the zoomposition on a zoom bar displayed on the screen of the display unit 67 tothe notified zoom position, and then terminates the process.

FIG. 12 illustrates the screen displayed on the display unit 67 of theinformation processing apparatus 50. Note that FIG. 12 illustrates thescreen displayed when the cooperative function is enabled between theinformation processing apparatus 50 and the image capturing apparatus20, for example.

An image GA1 is, for example, a camera-through image being captured bythe image capturing apparatus 20, a recorded still image, a movie beingrecorded, or a reproduced still image or movie. An image GA2 is a zoombutton and includes the wide-angle zoom button (W) and the telephotozoom button (T). An image GA3 is a zoom bar indicating the zoomposition. An image GA4 is an image capturing mode switch button forselecting a still image capturing mode or a movie capturing mode. Animage GA5 is a shutter button and thus is an operation button forcapturing a still image and for starting and stopping recording of amovie. Images GA6 are information icons indicating whether the recordingmedium 46 is inserted and the recording mode used to record capturedimages on the recording medium 46. Images GA7 are image capturing modeicons indicating the image capturing mode. An image GA8 is a playbackbutton for reproducing a recorded still image or movie. An image GA9 isa setup button used to make various settings of the image capturingapparatus 20.

When changing the zoom position set in the image capturing apparatus 20to the wide-angle side or the telephoto side, the user touches or pushesthe zoom button represented by the image GA2. Upon detecting a touchoperation or push operation in a display area of the image DA2, thecontrol unit 70 determines a direction in which the zoom position is tobe changed on the basis of which of the wide-angle side (W) and thetelephoto side (T) of the zoom button has been operated. Also, thecontrol unit 70 transmits a zoom control signal containing informationindicating the determined zoom position changing direction to the imagecapturing apparatus 20 via Wi-Fi communication. In the case of a touchoperation, the control unit 70 generates a zoom control signal thattriggers the single-step mode zoom driving control. In the case of apush operation, the control unit 70 generates a zoom control signal forstarting the low-speed mode zoom driving control. Further, whendetecting termination of the push operation, the control unit 70generates a zoom control signal for ending the low-speed mode zoomdriving control.

In the case where a cooperative function is enabled between the imagecapturing apparatus 20 and the information processing apparatus 50 and azoom operation is performed in the information processing apparatus 50,the zoom position changing speed is set to be lower than that set when azoom operation is performed in the image capturing apparatus 20. Thismakes it easier to change the zoom position to a desired position evenif response to the zoom operation performed in the informationprocessing apparatus 50 is slower than response to the zoom operationperformed in the image capturing apparatus 20, because a distance overwhich the zoom position is moved over duration of the zoom operationbecomes smaller. That is, the zoom position changing speed is switchedbetween the one suitable for a zoom operation accepted by the operationinput unit 44 and the one suitable for a zoom operation performed in anexternal apparatus. Because the zoom position changing speed may beswitched between the one suitable for a zoom operation accepted by theoperation input unit 44 and the one suitable for a zoom operationperformed in an external apparatus in this way, a zooming action withexcellent operability may be implemented both in the cases where thezoom operation is performed in the image capturing apparatus 20 and inthe information processing apparatus 50. Note that this example includesthe single-step mode in addition to the standard mode and the low-speedmode but the single-step mode may be omitted.

3. Other Actions of Image Capturing System

3-1. Other Actions of Image Capturing Apparatus

In the image capturing apparatus 20 described above, the zoom positionchanging speed is preset to a constant speed. In the case where a zoomoperation is performed in the information processing apparatus 50, thezooming action is performed at a constant speed that is lower than thespeed used when a zoom operation is performed in the image capturingapparatus 20. For example, in the case where a zoom request is madeusing the zoom button 441 provided on the image capturing apparatus 20,the zoom position changing speed is set to the first zoom positionchanging speed VA. In the case where a zoom request is received from theinformation processing apparatus 50, the zoom position changing speed isset to the second zoom position changing speed VB lower than the firstzoom position changing speed VA. However, the zoom position changingspeed is not necessarily constant and may be changed during the zoomingaction. Also, when a zoom request is received from the informationprocessing apparatus 50, the zoom position changing speed may be set toa speed higher than the first zoom position changing speed VA.

Next, a description will be given of an action of changing the zoomposition changing speed during a zooming action in the case where a zoomoperation is performed in the information processing apparatus 50, amongother actions performed by the image capturing apparatus 20.

FIG. 13 illustrates characteristics regarding how the zoom position ischanged during another zooming action. FIG. 13 illustrates, for example,the case where the second zoom position changing speed VB is switched tothe first zoom position changing speed VA on the basis of a zoomposition changing period. In the case where a zoom request is receivedfrom the information processing apparatus 50, the camera control unit 45of the image capturing apparatus 20 sets the second zoom positionchanging speed VB until a zoom position changing period (equivalent toduration of a push operation) reaches a period Ta, for example. If thezoom position changing period exceeds the period Ta, the camera controlunit 45 performs control so as to change the zoom position at the firstzoom position changing speed VA.

This configuration allows, in the case where a zoom operation isperformed in the information processing apparatus 50, the zoom positionto be gradually changed at the start of the zoom operation and alsoallows the zoom position to be changed at a high speed if the pushoperation is continued for a period longer than the period Ta.Therefore, in the case where the current zoom position is far from adesired zoom position, the zoom position may be efficiently changed tothe desired zoom position.

In addition to changing the zoom position at a preset zoom positionchanging speed, the image capturing apparatus 20 may change the zoomposition at a zoom position changing speed specified by the informationprocessing apparatus 50. For example, in the case where the zoomposition changing speed is specified by a zoom control signal receivedfrom the information processing apparatus 50, the image capturingapparatus 20 performs zoom driving control so as to change the zoomposition at this specified zoom position changing speed. Alternatively,the image capturing apparatus 20 may change the zoom position to a zoomposition specified by the information processing apparatus 50 at thepreset zoom position changing speed or the zoom position changing speedspecified by the information processing apparatus 50. For example, inthe case where a target zoom position is specified by a zoom controlsignal received from the information processing apparatus 50, the imagecapturing apparatus 20 performs zoom driving control so as to change thezoom position to this specified zoom position. The configuration toperform such a zoom operation may implement various zooming actions, andthus may improve the operability.

3-2. Other Actions of Information Processing Apparatus

The information processing apparatus 50 described above specifies thesingle-step mode or issues a zoom driving control start instruction or azoom driving control end instruction in response to operation of thezoom button. In addition to operation of the zoom button, theinformation processing apparatus 50 may trigger zoom driving control ofthe image capturing apparatus 20, in response to another user operation,for example, a pinch operation.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an action performed by theinformation processing apparatus 50 in the case where zoom drivingcontrol is performed in accordance with duration of a pinch operationperformed on the operation input unit 68 of the information processingapparatus 50.

In step ST61, the control unit 70 determines whether a pinch operationis started. If the control unit 70 determines on the basis of anoperation signal supplied from the operation input unit 68 that a pinchoperation is started, the process proceeds to step ST62. If not, theprocess returns to step ST61.

In step ST62, the control unit 70 issues a zooming start instruction.Specifically, the control unit 70 determines whether the pinch operationis a pinch-in operation or a pinch-out operation. The control unit 70then generates a zoom control signal for starting changing the zoomposition in a zoom direction based on the determined result. Forexample, in the case of a pinch-in operation, the zoom position ischanged to the wide-angle side so that an image of a wider angle is tobe captured. In the case of a pinch-out operation, the zoom position ischanged to the telephoto side so that an enlarged image of a desiredsubject is to be captured. The control unit 70 outputs the generatedzoom control signal to the Wi-Fi communication unit 613 of the wirelesscommunication unit 61, and the zoom control signal is transmitted fromthe Wi-Fi antenna 614 to the image capturing apparatus 20. The processthen proceeds to step ST63.

In step ST63, the control unit 70 determines whether the pinch operationis terminated. If the control unit 70 determines on the basis of anoperation signal supplied from the operation input unit 68 that thepinch operation is terminated, the process proceeds to step ST64. Ifnot, the process returns to step ST63.

In step ST64, the control unit 70 issues a zooming end instruction.Specifically, the control unit 70 generates a zoom control signal forending changing of the zoom position. The control unit 70 outputs thegenerated zoom control signal to the Wi-Fi communication unit 613 of thewireless communication unit 61, and the zoom control signal istransmitted from the Wi-Fi antenna 614 to the image capturing apparatus20. The process then ends.

By performing such a process, the information processing apparatus 50allows the user to change the zoom position set in the image capturingapparatus 20 through a pinch operation in addition to operation of thezoom button. Furthermore, in the case where the pinch operation isperformed over a certain distance at a low speed so as to make durationof the pinch operation longer in the process illustrated in FIG. 14, thezoom position changing period becomes longer and consequently themovement distance of the zoom position may become larger.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an action performed by theinformation processing apparatus 50 in the case where zoom drivingcontrol is performed in accordance with the movement distance of a pinchoperation performed on the operation input unit 68.

In step ST71, the control unit 70 determines whether a pinch operationis started. If the control unit 70 determines on the basis of anoperation signal supplied from the operation input unit 68 that a pinchoperation is started, the process proceeds to step ST72. If not, theprocess returns to step ST71.

In step ST72, the control unit 70 obtains a movement distance over whichthe operation position of the pinch operation has been moved(hereinafter, referred to as a pinch movement distance). Specifically,the control unit 70 obtains the pinch movement distance for apredetermined period on the basis of an operation signal supplied fromthe operation input unit 68. The process then proceeds to step ST73.

In step ST73, the control unit 70 sets the zoom position changing periodin accordance with the pinch movement distance. The control unit 70 setsthe zoom position changing period in accordance with the pinch movementdistance such that the zoom position changing period becomes longer asthe pinch movement distance becomes larger, for example. The processthen proceeds to step ST74.

In step ST74, the control unit 70 makes a zooming action instruction.FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating how a zooming action instruction ismade. In step ST741, the control unit 70 issues a zooming startinstruction. Specifically, the control unit 70 determines whether thepinch operation is a pinch-in operation or a pinch-out operation, andgenerates a zoom control signal for starting changing of the zoomposition in a zoom direction based on the determined result. Forexample, in the case of a pinch-in operation, the zoom position ischanged to the wide-angle side so that an image of a wider angle is tobe captured. In the case of a pinch-out operation, the zoom position ischanged to the telephoto side so that an enlarged image of a desiredsubject is to be captured. The control unit 70 outputs the generatedzoom control signal to the Wi-Fi communication unit 613 of the wirelesscommunication unit 61, and the zoom control signal is transmitted fromthe Wi-Fi antenna 614 to the image capturing apparatus 20. The processthen proceeds to step ST742.

In step ST742, the control unit 70 determines whether the zoom positionchanging period has passed. If the control unit 70 determines that thezoom position changing period set in step ST73 has not passed, theprocess returns to step S742. If the control unit 70 determines that thezoom position changing period has passed, the process proceeds to stepST743.

In step ST743, the control unit 70 issues a zooming end instruction.Specifically, the control unit 70 generates a zoom control signal forending changing of the zoom position. The control unit 70 outputs thegenerated zoom control signal to the Wi-Fi communication unit 613 of thewireless communication unit 61, and the zoom control signal istransmitted from the Wi-Fi antenna 614 to the image capturing apparatus20. Then, the zooming action instruction procedure ends.

After the zooming action instruction procedure ends in the step ST74,the process proceeds to step ST75, in which the control unit 70determines whether the pinch operation is terminated. If the controlunit 70 determines on the basis of an operation signal supplied from theoperation input unit 68 that the pinch operation is not terminated, theprocess returns to step ST72. If the control unit 70 determines that thepinch operation is terminated, the process ends.

By performing such a process, the information processing apparatus 50allows the user to change the zoom position set in the image capturingapparatus 20 through a pinch operation in addition to operation of thezoom button. Furthermore, the zoom position changing period is set inaccordance with the pinch movement distance. This configuration makes iteasier for the user to adjust, by adjusting the pinch movement distance,the zoom position changing period set in the image capturing apparatus20 and consequently the zoom movement distance.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an action performed by theinformation processing apparatus 50 in the case where zoom drivingcontrol is performed in accordance with the pinch movement distance of apinch operation performed on the operation input unit 68 of theinformation processing apparatus 50 and the current zoom magnification(zoom position).

In step ST91, the control unit 70 determines whether a pinch operationis started. If the control unit 70 determines on the basis of anoperation signal supplied from the operation input unit 68 that a pinchoperation is performed, the process proceeds to step ST92. If not, theprocess returns to step ST91.

In step ST92, the control unit 70 obtains the pinch movement distance.Specifically, the control unit 70 obtains the pinch movement distancefor a predetermined period on the basis of an operation signal suppliedfrom the operation input unit 68. The process then proceeds to stepST93.

In step ST93, the control unit 70 determines a target magnification(target zoom position). Specifically, the control unit 70 calculates thetarget magnification on the basis of the pinch movement distanceobtained in step ST92 and the current zoom position (currentmagnification) which the control unit 70 is notified of by the imagecapturing apparatus 20. The process then proceeds to ST94. For example,in the case of a pinch-in operation, the control unit 70 determines thetarget magnification that is on the wide-angle side on the basis of thepinch movement distance and the current magnification so that an imageof a wider angle is to be captured. For example, in the case of apinch-out operation, the control unit 70 determines the targetmagnification that is on the telephoto side on the basis of the pinchmovement distance and the current magnification so that an enlargedimage of a desired subject is to be captured.

In step ST94, the control unit 70 makes a target magnificationnotification. Specifically, the control unit 70 generates a zoom controlsignal indicating the target magnification determined in step ST93. Thecontrol unit 70 outputs the generated zoom control signal to the Wi-Ficommunication unit 613 of the wireless communication unit 61, and thezoom control signal is transmitted from the Wi-Fi antenna 614 to theimage capturing apparatus 20. The process then proceeds to step ST95.

In step ST95, the control unit 70 determines whether the pinch operationis terminated on the basis of an operation signal supplied from theoperation input unit 68. If the control unit 70 determines that thepinch operation is not terminated, the process returns to step ST92. Ifthe control unit 70 determines that the pinch operation is terminated,the process ends.

By performing such a process, the information processing apparatus 50allows the user to change the zoom position set in the image capturingapparatus 20 through a pinch operation in addition to operation of thezoom button. Also, by performing the process illustrated in FIG. 17,zoom driving control may be performed so that an image of the targetmagnification is to be captured.

The image capturing apparatus 20 may change the zoom position at a zoomposition changing speed specified by the information processingapparatus 50 in addition to the zoom position changing speed based oninformation held therein. The zoom position changing speed specified bythe information processing apparatus 50 may be higher than that set fora zooming action performed in response to a zoom operation on theoperation input unit 44 (a zooming action in the standard mode). In thiscase, the information processing apparatus 50 determines the zoomposition changing speed in accordance with the user operation, andnotifies the image capturing apparatus 20 of the determined zoomposition changing speed. For example, when determining the zoom positionchanging speed in accordance with a pinch operation, the control unit 70sets the zoom position changing speed in accordance with the pinchmovement distance for a predetermined period. Specifically, the zoomposition changing speed is set to become higher as the pinch movementdistance for a predetermined period becomes larger. This configurationallows the user to change the zoom position at a desired speed.Alternatively, the zoom position changing speed may be set to becomehigher than the zoom position changing speed VA as the pinch movementdistance for the predetermined period becomes larger. This configurationallows the user to change the zoom position at a speed higher than thatset in the case where the zoom button 441 of the image capturingapparatus 20 is operated. In the case where the image capturingapparatus 20 changes the zoom position at the zoom position changingspeed specified by the information processing apparatus 50, the imagecapturing apparatus 20 may no longer hold information of the zoomposition changing speed used for a zooming action performed in responseto a zoom control signal received from the information processingapparatus 50.

The series of processes described in this specification can be executedby hardware, software, or a composite configuration of both. If theseries of processes is to be executed by software, the series ofprocesses can be executed by installing a program recording theprocessing sequence into a memory in a computer embedded in dedicatedhardware. Alternatively, the series of processes can be executed byinstalling the program into a general-purpose computer capable ofexecuting various processes.

For example, the program can be pre-recorded on a recording medium, suchas a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), or a ROM. Alternatively, theprogram can be stored (recorded) temporarily or permanently on aremovable recording medium, such as a flexible disk, a compact disc readonly memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical (MO) disk, a digital versatiledisc (DVD), a Blu-ray disc (registered trademark), a magnetic disk, or asemiconductor memory card. Such a removable recording medium can beprovided as so-called packaged software.

In addition to being installed into a computer from a removablerecording medium, the program may be transferred to the computer in awireless or wired manner from a download site via a network, such as alocal area network (LAN) or the Internet. The computer can receive theprogram thus transferred and install the program into a built-inrecording medium, such as a hard disk.

The present technology is not to be construed as being limited to theembodiments of the technology described above. The embodiments of thetechnology disclose the present technology merely as an example, and itis obvious that a person skilled in the art can make variousmodifications to and substitutions for the embodiments without departingfrom the scope of the present technology. That is, the scope of thepresent technology is to be determined with reference to the appendedclaims.

A lens control apparatus according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology can also be configured as follows.

(1) A lens control apparatus including:

an operation input unit configured to accept a user operation;

a communication unit configured to perform communication with anexternal apparatus; and

a control unit configured to perform driving control of a zoom lens inresponse to a zoom operation accepted by the operation input unit or azoom control signal received by the communication unit and configured toselectively set a zoom position changing speed for driving controlperformed in response to the zoom operation and a zoom position changingspeed for driving control performed in response to the zoom controlsignal, the zoom position changing speeds being different from eachother.

(2) The lens control apparatus according to (1), wherein the controlunit sets the zoom position changing speed for driving control performedin response to the zoom control signal to be lower than that for drivingcontrol performed in response to the zoom operation.

(3) The lens control apparatus according to Claim (2), wherein thecontrol unit sets, when starting driving control of the zoom lens, thezoom position changing speed for driving control performed in responseto the zoom control signal to be lower than that for driving controlperformed in response to the zoom operation, and later changes the zoomposition changing speed to the zoom position changing speed for drivingcontrol performed in response to the zoom operation.

(4) The lens control apparatus according to any of (1) to (3), whereinin a case where the zoom control signal indicates that a zoom operationhas been performed in the external apparatus over a period shorter thana predetermined period, the control unit performs driving control over apreset period.

(5) The lens control apparatus according to any of (1) to (4), whereinthe control unit changes a zoom position of the zoom lens to a targetzoom position indicated by the zoom control signal.

(6) The lens control apparatus according to any of (1) to (5), whereinthe control unit changes a zoom position of the zoom lens at a zoomposition changing speed indicated by the zoom control signal.

(7) The lens control apparatus according to any of (1) to (6), whereinthe communication unit transmits information indicating a zoom positionof the zoom lens to the external apparatus.

(8) The lens control apparatus according to any of (1) to (7), whereinthe communication unit performs communication with the externalapparatus wirelessly.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera comprising: an operation input thatreceives a local zoom operation from the camera; a wireless communicatorthat performs wireless communication with a portable external apparatushaving a touch panel so as to receive a zoom control signal from theportable external apparatus via a network, the zoom control signal beinggenerated based on a remote zoom operation on a control graphical userinterface displayed on the touch panel of the portable externalapparatus; and circuitry that performs drive control of a zoom lens inaccordance with the local zoom operation or the zoom control signal,wherein the local zoom operation is one of a consecutive zoom operationor a single-step zoom operation, and wherein a first zoom positionchanging speed based on the local zoom operation from the camera isalways faster than a second zoom position changing speed based on theremote zoom operation on the control graphical user interface displayedon the touch panel of the portable external apparatus, the first zoomposition changing speed being a standard changing speed when drivingcontrol of the zoom lens is performed in a standard mode instead of alow-speed mode, the standard changing speed being faster than a changingspeed of the low-speed mode.
 2. The camera according to claim 1, whereina first zoom button and a second zoom button are displayed on thecontrol graphical user interface.
 3. The camera according to claim 2,wherein the first zoom button is a wide-angle zoom button and the secondzoom button is a telephoto zoom button.
 4. The camera according to claim1, wherein a zoom indicator is displayed on a display of the camera. 5.The camera according to claim 4, wherein the zoom indicator is a zoombar indicating a zoom position of the zoom lens.
 6. The camera accordingto claim 1, wherein the local zoom operation corresponds to theconsecutive zoom operation when the local zoom operation is detected fora predetermined period of time or longer, and the local zoom operationcorresponds to the single-step zoom operation when the local zoomoperation is detected for less than the predetermined period of time. 7.The camera according to claim 6, wherein the circuitry performs thedrive control of the zoom lens based on the consecutive zoom operationwhen the local zoom operation is detected for the predetermined periodof time or longer, and performs the drive control of the zoom lens basedon the single-step zoom operation when the local zoom operation isdetected for less than the predetermined period of time.
 8. The cameraaccording to claim 1, wherein a first zoom position change time from azoom start position to a zoom end position based on the zoom controlsignal is longer than a second zoom position change time from the zoomstart position to the zoom end position based on the local zoomoperation.
 9. The camera according to claim 8, wherein the first zoomposition change time from the zoom start position to the zoom endposition based on the zoom control signal is not adjustable by a user.10. The camera according to claim 8, wherein the circuitry sets thefirst zoom position change time for the drive control of the zoom lensbased on the zoom control signal to be longer than the second zoomposition change time for the drive control of the zoom lens based on thelocal zoom operation.
 11. The camera according to claim 1, wherein thecircuitry changes a zoom position of the zoom lens at the first zoomposition changing speed based on the local zoom operation, and changesthe zoom position of the zoom lens at the second zoom position changingspeed based on the zoom control signal.
 12. The camera according toclaim 1, wherein the wireless communicator transmits informationindicating a zoom position of the zoom lens to the portable externalapparatus.
 13. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the second zoomposition changing speed is adjustable.
 14. A method comprising:receiving a local zoom operation from a camera; performing, by awireless communicator, wireless communication with a portable externalapparatus having a touch panel so as to receive a zoom control signalfrom the portable external apparatus via a network, the zoom controlsignal being generated based on a remote zoom operation on a controlgraphical user interface displayed on the touch panel of the portableexternal apparatus; and performing, by circuitry, drive control of azoom lens in accordance with the local zoom operation or the zoomcontrol signal, wherein the local zoom operation is one of a consecutivezoom operation or a single-step zoom operation, and wherein a first zoomposition changing speed based on the local zoom operation from thecamera is always faster than a second zoom position changing speed basedon the remote zoom operation on the control graphical user interfacedisplayed on the touch panel of the portable external apparatus, thefirst zoom position changing speed being a standard changing speed whendriving control of the zoom lens is performed in a standard mode insteadof a low-speed mode, the standard changing speed being faster than achanging speed of the low-speed mode.
 15. The method according to claim14, wherein a first zoom button and a second zoom button are displayedon the control graphical user interface.
 16. The method according toclaim 15, wherein the first zoom button is a wide-angle zoom button andthe second zoom button is a telephoto zoom button.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 14, further comprising: displaying a zoom indicatoron a display.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the zoomindicator is a zoom bar indicating a zoom position of the zoom lens. 19.The method according to claim 14, further comprising: setting, by thecircuitry, a first zoom position change time for the drive control ofthe zoom lens based on the zoom control signal to be longer than asecond zoom position change time for the drive control of the zoom lensbased on the local zoom operation.
 20. A non-transitorycomputer-reasonable storage medium including computer-readableinstructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer toexecute a method comprising: receiving a local zoom operation from acamera; performing wireless communication with a portable externalapparatus having a touch panel so as to receive a zoom control signalfrom the portable external apparatus via a network, the zoom controlsignal being generated based on a remote zoom operation on a controlgraphical user interface displayed on the touch panel of the portableexternal apparatus; and performing drive control of a zoom lens inaccordance with the local zoom operation or the zoom control signal,wherein the local zoom operation is one of a consecutive zoom operationor a single-step zoom operation, and wherein a first zoom positionchanging speed based on the local zoom operation from camera is alwaysfaster than a second zoom position changing speed based on the remotezoom operation on the control graphical user interface displayed on thetouch panel of the portable external apparatus, the first zoom positionchanging speed being a standard changing speed when driving control ofthe zoom lens is performed in a standard mode instead of a low-speedmode, the standard changing speed being faster than a changing speed ofthe low-speed mode.